VocabDictionary

farm out

/fɑːrm aʊt/intermediate Level

English Meaning & Definitions

1.verb

To delegate or subcontract work, tasks, or responsibilities to an outside person, company, or organization.

Example Sentences:
  • The company decided to farm out its customer service operations to a firm overseas to reduce costs.
  • Rather than handling the complex legal filings in-house, the startup chose to farm them out to a specialized law firm.
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English Synonyms & Near Equivalents

English Antonyms & Opposites

Comprehensive Thesaurus Breakdown

Compare formal, informal, literary synonyms and register nuances for “farm out”.

Thesaurus Entry
Cultural Origin & Etymology

Originating in the 17th century, the term derives from the practice of 'farming' taxes or revenues, where a government would lease the right to collect taxes to a private individual or group for a fixed sum. Over time, the meaning broadened to include the delegation of any task, labor, or responsibility to an outside party.

Memory Aid & Mnemonic

Imagine a farmer who is too busy to harvest his own crops, so he 'farms out' the work to his neighbors.

Frequently Asked Questions About “farm out

1. What is the meaning of “farm out” in English?

In English, farm out (verb) is defined as: “To delegate or subcontract work, tasks, or responsibilities to an outside person, company, or organization.”.

2. How do you use “farm out” in a sentence?

The company decided to farm out its customer service operations to a firm overseas to reduce costs.

3. What are English synonyms of “farm out”?

Common synonyms include:subcontract,outsource,delegate,contract out

4. What is the etymology and word origin of “farm out”?

Originating in the 17th century, the term derives from the practice of 'farming' taxes or revenues, where a government would lease the right to collect taxes to a private individual or group for a fixed sum. Over time, the meaning broadened to include the delegation of any task, labor, or responsibility to an outside party.